The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has charged senior police officers to strengthen security operations, maintain professionalism and ensure adequate protection of citizens ahead of the forthcoming electoral period.
Disu gave the charge on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, during a conference with senior police officers at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The IGP emphasised that the Nigeria Police Force must remain politically neutral and committed to its constitutional responsibilities, warning officers against using their positions to promote the interests of politicians or political parties.
He said the confidence of Nigerians in the police must be earned through consistent professional conduct and effective service delivery.
“When this election period is over and when history looks back on this moment, no Nigerian should be able to say that the police failed them,” Disu said.
He stressed that every polling unit must be secured, every eligible voter must be allowed to exercise their franchise, while communities facing security threats must receive adequate police presence.
The police chief warned that officers found colluding with political actors, compromising the integrity of the electoral process or interfering with voters’ rights would face disciplinary measures and legal consequences.
To ensure adequate preparation, he directed Commissioners of Police and other senior officers to commence comprehensive security planning in their respective commands.
He also ordered the verification of election security equipment, operational vehicles and protective gear, while directing commands to establish effective coordination with the Independent National Electoral Commission, military formations and other security agencies.
Disu further directed senior officers to suspend their leave and remain within their respective jurisdictions until the completion of the electoral process, stressing that official travels must receive the necessary approval.
Reviewing the Force’s operational performance since its last conference, the IGP disclosed that police operatives had arrested 218 suspected bandits and terrorists, 85 suspected armed robbers, 129 suspects linked to murder and other violent crimes, and 59 suspected kidnappers.
He added that 133 kidnapped victims had been rescued, while operatives recovered 306 firearms, 630 rounds of ammunition of various calibres and 116 stolen vehicles.
Commending officers and men for their sacrifices, Disu acknowledged that despite the operational successes, security threats persisted in some parts of the country, requiring sustained intelligence-led operations and collaboration among security agencies.
He also paid tribute to police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty, directing that all outstanding benefits and entitlements owed to their families be processed without further delay.
“No family of a fallen police officer should be left to struggle alone,” he said, urging Commissioners of Police to maintain regular contact with the families of deceased personnel.
On accountability, the IGP warned against corruption, extortion, abuse of authority and unlawful use of force, insisting that discipline must begin with senior leadership and extend to every level of the Force.
He directed all commands to establish accessible complaint-response mechanisms to ensure that allegations of police misconduct were documented, investigated and resolved promptly.
Disu also urged officers to maintain regular and transparent engagement with journalists, noting that misinformation and fake news could pose additional challenges during the electoral period.
He further emphasised the need to prioritise the welfare and mental well-being of personnel, directing senior officers to identify outstanding entitlements, accommodation gaps and other pressing needs affecting their commands.
The IGP expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his continued support for the Nigeria Police Force and urged senior officers to return to their respective commands with renewed commitment, stronger supervision and determination to deliver measurable results.
